The Broncos are sweating on the fitness of Payne Haas, while the Eels are dealing with an injury crisis and the Rabbitohs welcome back Brandon Smith against the Bulldogs.
Watch every game of every round of the Premiership Season LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
Read on for the Team Tips for Round 5.
WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
THURSDAY APRIL 2
Dolphins vs Manly Sea Eagles at Kayo Stadium, 8pm AEDT
Last week’s Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Tom Gilbert 9. Max Plath 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Morgan Knowles 14. Brad Schneider 15. Thomas Flegler 16. Oryn Keeley 17. Ray Stone 18. Trai Fuller 19. Francis Molo
Team Tips: Versatile star Kurt Donoghoe is due back from a hamstring injury in Round 5 and will likely take Brad Schneider’s spot on the bench if he is fit. Jeremy Marshall-King and Jack Bostock don’t return from knee injuries until Rounds 7 and 10 respectively. Daniel Saifiti’s return timeline from a shoulder injury remains uncertain.
Last week’s Sea Eagles team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Taniela Paseka 14. Brandon Wakeham 10. Kobe Hetherington 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 9. Jake Simpkin 15. Corey Waddell 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Paul Bryan 18. Simione Laiafi 19. Josh Feledy
Team Tips: Anthony Seibold has been sacked and replaced by interim coach Kieran Foran, who has said he won’t make wholesale changes as he aims to turn Manly’s season around. However, Nathan Brown (illness) and Siosiua Taukeiaho (calf) are due back in Round 5 and could give their pack a much-needed boost. However, Seibold said before his sacking that the club would take a conservative approach with Taukeaiaho. Jason Saab is set for a one game ban for his high shot on Hugo Savala, with Blake Wilson or Clayton Faulalo likely to come in on the wing. Ethan Bullemor was a late scratching after suffering an Achilles injury while warming up to go on against the Roosters. Brandon Wakeham started at hooker last week, with Jake Simpkin shifting to the bench, but the pair are likely to swap back.
MORE NRL NEWS
CRAWLS: ‘Teflon Bulldog’ is the new Cam Smith; the left-field solution to save Manly
TALKING PTS: Seibold’s selfless act before axing; Madge’s last laugh after bust-up
WHISPERS: Munster linked with sensational switch; QLD club eye Dragons duo
Concern for Flanagan after KO v Titans | 02:32
FRIDAY APRIL 3
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Canterbury Bulldogs at Accor Stadium, 4.05pm AEDT
Round 3 Rabbitohs team: 1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Jack Wighton 19. Moala Graham-Taufa 6. Cody Walker 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Bronson Garlick 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. David Fifita 12. Tallis Duncan 13. Cameron Murray 14. Peter Mamouzelos 16. Sean Keppie 17. Jayden Sullivan 20. Thomas Fletcher 21. Latrell Siegwalt 22. Liam Le Blanc
Team Tips: Brandon Smith is due back from a calf injury and will likely be eased back in via the bench, with Bronson Garlick or Peter Mamouzelos to make way. Campbell Graham is due back from a back injury after he was a late scratching against the Tigers before the bye, with Moala Graham-Taufa likely to make way. Euan Aitken is expected to miss another week after he and Lachlan Hubner were late scratchings against the Tigers. Hubner will come into calculations with Thomas Fletcher, Latrell Siegwalt and Liam Le Blanc likely to make way. Halves Jonah Glover (jaw) and Ashton Ward (ankle) are not due back until Rounds 7 and 8 respectively. Adam Elliott (calf) and Jai Arrow (shoulder) face uncertain return timelines.
Last week’s Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Enari Tuala 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Bailey Hayward 16. Lipoi Hopoi 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 10. Sitili Tupouniua 14. Kurt Mann 15. Josh Curran 17. Sean O’Sullivan 19. Jonathan Sua 20. Fletcher Baker
Team Tips: Cameron Ciraldo may be forced to shake up his spine after their shock loss to the Knights and the fact they are averaging 15 points a game in attack this season.Stephen Crichton switched to five-eighth with Matt Burton moving to the centres against Newcastle, while Sean O’Sullivan got minutes off the bench. The confusion surrounding the Bulldogs team over their halves situation was summed up by winger marcelo Montoya. “No idea to be honest,” Montoya told Nine’s Today. “I didn’t even know that happened on the weekend, I was on the right side and didn’t realise Critta had gone into five-eighth. I don’t know what’s gonna happen – we’ll see how we go.” Whether Ciraldo pulls the trigger on moving Lachlan Galvin to five-eighth and O’Sullivan to halfback remains to be seen, but what is clear is the Burton-Galvin halves pairing isn’t working. Bronson Xerri will push for a return to the team at either centre or wing, but if Burton moves to the centres, that could hurt his chances of a recall. Lipoi Hopoi started at prop last week, with Sitili Tupouniua shifting to the bench, but the pair will likely swap back after the loss. Josh Curran suffered a rib injury and is in doubt. Viliame Kikau and Jacob Preston copped knocks, but are expected to play. Samuel Hughes returns from a suspension in Round 5 and could force his way into the team. Leo Thompson remains sidelined until Round 10 with a calf injury.
Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm at Suncorp Stadium, 8pm AEDT
Last week’s Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Paul Alamoti 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 15. Billy Phillips 16. Scott Sorensen 17. Luke Garner 18. Izack Tago 19. Freddy Lussick 21. Jack Cole
Team Tips: Mitch Kenny has been hit with a one game ban after accepting an early guilty plea for a hip drop tackle that injured Isaiah Iongi. Freddy Lussick or Billy Scott could come straight in to start at hooker. Jack Cogger, who was a late scratching last week is another option, with Jack Cole the man likely to drop off the bench. Izack Tago’s path back into the team remains blocked due to Penrtih’s stunning run of form.
Last week’s Storm team: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Moses Leo 19. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Joe Chan 12. Alec MacDonald 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Cooper Clarke 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Davvy Moale 18. Jack Hetherington 21. Manaia Waitere
Team Tips: Nick Meaney was a late scratching last week with a back injury, with Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown coming onto the wing, but the former will bid to return in Round 5. Manaia Waitere was the new face on the bench. Craig Bellamy will be considering a shake-up of his backline given their poor defence in back-to-back losses, with Moses Leo in danger of losing his place in the centres. If Meaney is fit he could be moved to the centres, but a hip injury to Jack Howarth could also be an issue for the Storm. Shawn Blore is due back from an ankle injury in Round 5 and may come straight into the second row for Alec MacDonald. However, Bellamy could opt to ease him back in from the bench or get his match fitness up in reserve grade. Ativalu Lisati (calf) and Xavier Coates (Achilles) are not due back until Round 7 and Round 10 respectively.
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!!
Flano gives health update on Kyle | 04:52
SATURDAY APRIL 4
St Goerge Illawarra Dragons vs North Queensland Cowboys at Jubilee Stadium, 5.30pm AEDT
Last week’s Dragons team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Christian Tuipulotu 19. Hayden Buchanan 4. Valentine Holmes 20. Tyrell Sloan 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Daniel Atkinson 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 15. Hame Sele 13. Hamish Stewart 14. Jacob Liddle 16. Jacob Halangahu 17. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 18. Josh Kerr 22. Lyhkan King-Togia
Team Tips: Kyle Flanagan is set for a long sideline stint after he was hospitalised after being knocked out for five minutes following a head clash against the Titans. Lyhkan King-Togia looms as the most likely replacement after coming off the bench for Flanagan. Tyrell Sloan was a late inclusion on the wing last week and scored a try, so could keep his place ahead of Setu Tu. Moses Suli was a late scratching due to personal reasons last week with Hayden Buchanan coming into the centres, but the former will likely to return in Round 5. Hame Sele started at lock with Hamish Stewart shifting to the bench, but the pair will likely be named in the reverse spots again. Ryan Couchman (suspension) and Dylan Egan (knee) remain sidelined until Round 8.
Last week’s Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Braidon Burns 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Zac Laybutt 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Coen Hess 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Sam McIntyre 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Soni Luke 15. Kai O’Donnell 16. Griffin Neame 18. Thomas Mikaele 19. Liam Sutton 21. Matthew Lodge
Team Tips: Todd Payten is likely to keep faith in the same team after back-to-back wins, with Matthew Lodge likely to hold his place ahead of Harrison Edwards after he was again a late inclusion on the bench against the Storm. Tom Chester is due back from suspension in Round 5, but will struggled to crack the team, while Jeremiah Nanai won’t return from a shoulder injury until Round 6.
Gold Coast Titans vs Brisbane Broncos at Cbus Super Stadium, 7:35pm AEDT
Last week’s Titans team: 1. Keano Kini 2. Sialetili Faeamani 3. Jojo Fifita 6. AJ Brimson 5. Phillip Sami 18. Lachlan Ilias 7. Jayden Campbell 16. Klese Haas 9. Sam Verrills 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Arama Hau 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall 4. Max Feagai 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 14. Kurtis Morrin 17. Cooper Bai 21. Oliver Pascoe 22. Jett Liu
Team Tips: AJ Brimson was shifted to centre last week, with Max Feagai movingto the bench and Lachlan Ilias starting at five-eighth, with Josh Hannay likely to go with the same combination after his first win as Titans coach. Klese Haas started at prop with Moeaki Fotuaika shifting tot he bench, but the pair will likely be named in the reverse positions again. Oliver Pascoe and Jett Liu were late inclusions on the bench for Tukimihia Simpkins and Josh Patston and will likely hold their places. Brock Gray remains sidelined with a knee injury until Round 9.
Last week’s Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Deine Mariner 5. Grant Anderson 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Cory Paix 10. Xavier Willison 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Ben Hunt 15. Ben Talty 16. Aublix Tawha 17. Gehamat Shibasaki 18. Jaiyden Hunt 22. Va’a Semu
Team Tips: Payne Haas is bidding to return from a shoulder injury, but Michael Maguire says he is no guarantee to play. “At the moment, we are sort of a wait and see on that one, but he is actually getting better,” Maguire said. “We will judge that (whether he plays next week) over the next couple of days.” If Haas returns it would see Corey Jensen or Xavier Willison shift to the bench and Va’a Semu, who was a late inclusion last week for Blake Mozer dropping out. Grant Anderson is out for 10 weeks with a knee injury, with Gehamat Shibasaki likely to come into the team at centre and push Deine Mariner to the wing. Meanwhile, Josiah Karapani is set to be dropped after he was hit with an infringement notice for public nuisance by QLD Police, with Jesse Arthars likely to take his place, according to Code Sports. Billy Walters is not due back from a knee injury until mid-season.
‘Self destruction’: Ricky’s message | 05:10
SUNDAY APRIL 5
Cronulla Sharks vs New Zealand Warriors at Ocean Protect Stadium, 2:00pm AEST
Last week’s Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. KL Iro 5. Samuel Stonestreet 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 15. Toby Rudolf 11. Billy Burns 12. Teig Wilton 13. Jesse Colquhoun 10. Thomas Hazelton 14. Siosifa Talakai 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 18. Hohepa Puru 20. Chris Veaila
Team Tips: Briton Nikora is due back from a nose injury in Round 5, with Billy Burns likely to shift to the bench and Hohepa Puru to make way, after Teig Wilton starred in his first start of the season against Canberra. Toby Rudolf started at prop against the Raiders, with Thomas Hazelton shifting to the bench, but the pair could be named in the reseverse order again. Chris Veaila was a late inclusion on the bench, with Tuku Hau Tapuha dropping out last week. Cameron McInnes remains sidelined with a knee injury until Round 10 at the earliest.
Last week’s Warriors team: 21. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 3. Adam Pompey 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Luke Metcalf 7. Tanah Boyd 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jackson Ford 11. Leka Halasima 12. Jacob Laban 13. Erin Clark 14. Samuel Healey 15. Mitchell Barnett 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith 18. Marata Niukore 20. Chanel Harris-Tavita
Team Tips: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad was switched to centre for Ali Leiataua with Taine Tuaupiki at fullback, but are unlikely to stay that way after the loss to the Tigers. Luke Metcalf made a return from a knee injury at five-eighth, with Tanah Boyd holding on to the No.7 spot. Morgan Gannon is due back from concussion and will likely force his way onto the bench. Kurt Capewell (calf) and Te Maire Martin (leg) don’t return until Rounds 6 and 10 respectively.
Newcastle Knights vs Canberra Raiders at McDonald Jones Stadium, 4:05pm AEST
Last week’s Knights team: 1. Fletcher Hunt 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Sandon Smith 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 15. Pasami Saulo 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Jermaine McEwen 13. Mathew Croker 10. Tyson Frizell 14. Thomas Cant 16. Cody Hopwood 18. Tyson Gamble 19. Harrison Graham 22. Wilson De Courcey
Team Tips: Five-eighth Fletcher Sharpe copped a knock to the knee late against the Bulldogs, but Justin Holbrook backed him to play this week. Trey Mooney returns from suspension in the likely only change to the side after their upset win over the Bulldogs. Mooney will likely start at prop with Pasami Saulo and Tyson Frizell on the bench. Wilson De Courcey was a late inclusion last week and will likely be the man to drop out. Phoenix Crossland copped a heavy knock to the nose, but is expected to play. Dylan Brown (knee) is not due back until Round 10, while Kalyn Ponga (hamstring) is out until Round 10.
Last week’s Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Simi Sasagi 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Ethan Sanders 8. Morgan Smithies 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Noah Martin 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Zac Hosking 16. Ata Mariota 17. Joseph Roddy 18. Daine Laurie 19. Jed Stuart
Team Tips: Josh Papalii returns from suspension in Round 5 and will join the bench, with Joseph Roddy likely to shift to the reserves and Daine Lauire or Jed Stuart to make way.
Sharks beat Raiders in dramatic shootout | 03:10
MONDAY APRIL 6
Parramatta Eels vs Wests Tigers at CommBank Stadium, 4:05pm AEST
Last week’s Eels team: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Brian Kelly 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Jonah Pezet 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Jack Williams 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. Dylan Walker 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Sam Tuivaiti 16. Matt Doorey 17. Luca Moretti 18. Charlie Guymer 19. Joash Papali’i
Team Tips: Fullback Isaiah Iongi is expected to miss eight weeks with a syndesmosis injury suffered from a hip drop tackle that saw Mitch Kenny suspended. Joash Papali’i looms as his likely replacement in the No.1 jersey. Matt Doorey is out for the season with a knee injury, with star recruit Jack de Belin likely to fill his place on the bench, after he was dropped for the last couple of games. Teancum Brown and Araz Nanva will vie for the final bench spot. Star centre Will Penisini is not due back from a groin injury until Round 6, while Jordan Samrani (knee) won’t be back until Round 10.
Last week’s Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 19. Faaletino Tavana 3. Sunia Turuva 4. Heamasi Makasini 5. Luke Laulilii 6. Jock Madden 7. Adam Doueihi 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Alex Twal 2. Jeral Skelton 14. Tristan Hope 15. Sione Fainu 16. Royce Hunt 17. Alex Seyfarth 21. Latu Fainu
Team Tips: Faaletino Tavana started on the wing against the Warriors, with Jeral Skelton shifting to the bench. Jock Madden starred at five-eighth in his return to the starting side, while Adam Doueihi was player of the match in promising signs in the win over the Warriors. Latu Fainu was a late inclusion on the bench after returning from injury and is expected to hold his place, with Tristan Hope likely to make way. Jarome Luai (knee) and Taylan May (shoulder) are not due back until Round 8.
Bye: Sydney Roosters